Fashion Flattery: Styles That Fit Your Size

How many times have you asked a friend or boyfriend, “Do I look good in this?” Even though you knew it wasn’t the most flattering of outfits, they still said it looked great because they didn’t want to hurt your feelings. Based on your body type, there are a plethora of looks that do and don’t look good on you. There are also ways to make a simple look super chic and wearable whether its day or night!

Tall & Thin

• Skinny Jeans/Leggings
  
• Booties
  
• Solid V-neck Tee
  
• Boyfriend Blazer

This a very effortless look, that is simple and chic ,yet shows off your height!
When night comes along, you can jazz your outfit up with heels or even a studded vest.

• Neutral Blouse


• Jewel Belted Skirt
  
• Booties or Flats


• Neck Accessory (pearls, diamonds, or a chunky gold necklace!)
  

Showing off your legs and making them appear longer is the main goal. When you’re ready for a night out on the town, get the heels out and look taller and make those legs look longer!

Curvy

If you’re a curvy girl and want to play it safe, you can simply wear a loose black dress. However, it’s 2010! Be proud of your curves and show off that beautiful figure! I personally am a curvy girl, and I love each and every curve on my body!

• High-Waist Dress


• Matching Flats

If you aren’t comfortable with your arms, a cardigan or blazer can be thrown on top. Don’t be afraid to show off your curves. With high-waist dresses, the attention is taken off of the belly area and shows your curvy shape a lot better.

So girls, regardless of your size, remember SIMPLE IS CHIC! Many times, we think we have to keep adding clothing, but a basic outfit can turn into a very classy one with the addition of jewelry! A long, maybe chunky, necklace with tons of texture will do the trick! Go to your favorite jewelry store and STOCK UP on rings, earrings, and sunglasses! You never know when that random ring you bought will be the piece that will make your outfit pop!

Regardless of your body type, get a few signature pieces that look good with just about anything and aren’t too flashy to be worn only once. This can be a jewelry, your favorite shoe, or the best fitting jeans you own. Mine is my Jean Paul Gaultier Boyfriend Blazer that I found at my favorite thrift store Buffalo Exchange! It is my best friend because it serves as a sassy jacket and also the classiest piece of any of my outfits!

Finally, here are a few last things to remember!

1. Don’t be afraid to try new looks! Colors, prints, and textures are your friends!
2. Accessorize, Accessorize, and in case you forgot Accessorize!
3. Nothing will look good unless you exude the confidence!

--Rebecca Matey
Brownstone Intern

Freshen Up Your Winter Fashion

Winter woes are not just limited to chapped lips and cold fingers, for many a fashionista keeping your winter wardrobe fresh is just as great a dilemma. Fortunately for you, we’ve got the inside scoop on easy and creative ways to update your winter wardrobe and keep your style fresh. These easy to follow steps will have you ready for winter weather and looking like a million bucks (without breaking your bank).

Step 1: Layer Up
-Remember chilly weather doesn’t mean you have to hide yourself in oversized coats and sweaters. Instead, opt to layer an eye catching camisole under a sweater. Learning to layer your outfits can prove essential to creating a fashion forward look that will keep you warm even as the temperatures dip. This season, canvas coats, leather jackets and boyfriend blazers are all must have’s for bringing your winter wear together. Like the Courtney Bomber, a cropped bomber jacket for $49.50 available at Delias or for a sporty look, try the BDG Varsity jacket, $88.00 available at UrbanOutfitters.

Step 2: Accessorize Away
-Accessories are key to adding flair to any outfit and a perfect way to further display your individuality. For a more “bohemian” style, vintage and natural pieces are key to include. Ask your mother if she has any old jewelry, hats or bags. There’s sure to be something you can salvage and give new life to. For a more vibrant colorful expression, multicolored bangles and scarves never fail to add a splash of color, I found great pieces at Claire’s, like their Beaded Bracelet set, $9.50 and the Windy Flower headband, $3.80 at Forever21 that add flair to your outfit and fit any budget.

Step 3: Creative Kicks

-Many focus on the outfit but neglect the shoes. Make sure you remember that what you wear on your feet is another outlet to display your personality. No matter whether you favor the casual sneaker or the stylish boot, cold weather is all the more reason for you to be daring. On Zappos with a little searching you can find something suited to your taste, like Myca, the trendy metallic flat from Report, $68.95, which is sure to turn heads. Look for Havoc, a slouchy distressed boot with attitude to spare from Wanted, $49.99, at Piperlime another online site dedicated to shoes.

Step 4: Don’t forget to Shine
- No matter the weather, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Whether you show your love for stripes with a new scarf or you display your personal star power with a cute pair of metallic ballet flats, remember that style doesn’t just come from what you have on, but from the inside. The outfit doesn’t make the girl but rather, the girl makes the outfit FRESH!

--Amelia Jones
Brownstone Intern

The Forgotten

You’ve heard the saying “Out of sight, out of mind” right? 9 times out of 10, we fail to realize the importance of something until it effects us directly. How many of you heard of Haiti before they were hit by that catastrophic 7.0 earthquake last week? How many knew that Haiti was one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere? I mean…I’ve heard of Haiti, but sadly I didn’t realize how poverty stricken they are. It’s sad that many people probably never thought twice about Haiti until the earthquake. On the flip side, it’s great to see so many people coming together to help with relief efforts. I know one thing’s for sure, I think we’ve all learned to appreciate the little things we often take for granted.

I think an important lesson we can learn from the situation is to appreciate the little things we often take for granted. For one day, I dare you to put a dollar (or a penny, nickel, whatever you have) in a jar every time you complain about something. I bet you’d find yourself with a lot of money. I know I would! I think now you’ll see that complaining about not getting those Seven jeans or having to catch the bus because your parents won’t let you drive their car is nothing in comparison to what teens in Haiti are going through.

I spoke with Savannah Roberson, 15, out of Oxnard CA and here’s what she had to say about the effect the earthquake in Haiti has had on her.

“It makes me realize how fortunate we are to live in the United States. I’m thankful that we have buildings that can support us. Theirs weren’t made like that because they don’t have the money. It makes me want to give back more because their country is destroyed and there is nothing they can do about it. At school, we had a fundraiser called “Hats for Haiti.” Since I go to a private school with a strict dress code we were allowed to wear hats if we donated money. Our school was able to exceed our goal of $3,000 and raise $5,000. If we had an earthquake I would want people to help us. I think we would all come together as a community if something were to happen like that here.”

I hope that this tragic situation will open our eyes to the world outside of the United States. There are a lot of people suffering overseas. I know it gets hard, but we should remember that there is always someone who has less than we do. We should always try to lend a hand. It doesn’t always have to be monetary. You can donate food or clothing to someone in need as well. Let’s not wait to until tragedy streaks to remember the forgotten.

Here are some ways to get involved with Haiti relief efforts:

• Red Cross
• World Vision
• UNICEF
• Black Gives Back

--Tymika Morrison

Brownstone Team

Reduce, ReUSE, Recycle?

Everyone has heard the phrase Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, but have you heard of the latest way to reuse called upcycling? Upcycling is the process of repurposing materials that traditionally would not be recycled. TerraCycle, the first company behind upcycling, takes items such as food wrappers, cell phones & markers and upcycles them into new products each day. As I researched their website, I discovered all kinds of cool items that have been created out of repurposed materials; everything from pencils made out of newspapers to pencil cases made out of cookie wrappers. Not only do these products help protect the environment, they are easy to find at places like Target, Wal-mart and Home Depot.

Do you or your family already collect water bottles, cans and other items to take to local recycling centers? As you know, collect enough items and your financial compensation for bringing these items can turn into a pretty penny. You can also reap the same benefits with TerraCycle. They will offer cash for your collections of potato chip bags and juice boxes. So instead of tossing the contents of your lunch in the garbage after you have eaten think about saving some of your items to be upcycled.

Another company, Looptworks, also practices upcylcling, but with clothing. If you’re into fashion, you’ll love this site! They stop excess materials from being thrown out and use them to create 100% of their products. Shopping at Looptworks is a great way to not only help the environment, but to look good while doing it! Also by shopping online, you don’t have to waste gas or worry about bugging your parents to take you to the mall. Use inspiration from Looptworks to make your own items at home. We all have something in our closet that doesn’t fit anymore, so why not repurpose it? I have a purse made out of an old pair of jeans. I know along with old clothes, we also have a few earrings that don't have a mate or broken bracelets. Use embellishments from old jewelry or fabric to liven up an old look. Suddenly you’ll have something “new” to your wardrobe that no one else owns!

I also found some other great upcycling ideas online on sites like Eco Salon. With some of you in the process of applying for college, I know you are getting tons of mail with personal information. After you have shredded your materials, don’t dump them in the trash, instead save them for packing material when you ship things. You can tell your mom you’re saving her a special stash to use when she sends your college care packages. If you’re interested in learning more, run an internet search on upcycling and see what you find. It is important for your generation to step up in efforts to conserve the environment because pretty soon you will be the ones leading the way. Get started now and when it comes down to the Recycle, Reuse, Reduce phrase remember think outside the box, get creative and discover more ways to help the environment.

-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team

Mother Nature’s New Installments

Is your body constantly changing? Have there been some recent unexpected developments? Are your aunts starting to make those embarrassing comments about your –dare I say!- your BOOBIES?! Or maybe that old baby fat is even disappearing and you just don’t know how to respond to these sudden changes. Here are a few pointers on getting acquainted with these new parts. First and foremost, know that you are YOUNG and these changes are probably not permanent. And even if they are here to the end, they’re most definitely nothing to be ashamed of!

1. Looking in the mirror and automatically accepting who you are becoming can sometimes be easier said than done. If you can’t accept this new body just yet, still look in the mirror and say I AM BEAUTIFUL! Don’t wait for others to compliment you, be your own cheerleader. After a while, you’ll start to believe these words of truth. :)

2. Secondly, go to that old box of pictures your parents stashed away in the attic and take a peek at those bad boys! Take a good look at how your mom or aunts went from being a cute kid AWW--> to a dorky girl OOO-->to a poised woman OO-LALA!!

9 times out of 10 your parents look nothing like they used to and filled out in all the right places!

3. Don’t be afraid to talk about it with your parents and if that’s too embarrassing, go to an older sibling, cousin, or any person you feel comfortable to talk to.

If you feel like you’re an “ugly duckling” now, think of this as your awkward growing period and that these changes are just coming little by little. The finished product hasn’t arrived yet and you will become that BEAUTIFUL SWAN we all know you to be!

4. Lastly, stay fit! Go outside! Join a club! Whether it’s dancing, soccer, basketball, hiking, or simply walking, GET ACTIVE! If you aren’t happy with who you are, do something about it, the healthy way.

Eat right, Act Right, Feel Right. These are the ways to happiness. What you put in your body, how you treat other bodies, and how you emotionally treat your body all affect your self-esteem regardless of any body change within you.

“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude”-Maya Angelou

--Rebecca Matey

Brownstone Intern

Welcome our new intern Rebecca Matey to the blog! Rebecca is a sophomore majoring in International Relations at USC. She is also a member of USC's Saved By Grace Gospel Choir. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer and tennis. We are excited to have her on board!

She Soars

Representative of an entire people
Role model of power,
Yet epitome of grace.
As she goes about her life, she keeps her position of prestige in her mind.
One of few left of her kind,
Yet she does not lower herself to the pessimistic ideals of her race.
Definition of faith.
Constantly presented with cliffs and ledges.
As soon as she jumps her wings appear.
Her heart and mind becoming clear,
And she soars without asking any questions.

--Jessica Chapman, 19 - North Carolina
Jr. Correspondent

Are you between the ages of 13 -19 and like to write? Submit articles and poems to BrownstoneMag@gmail.com to be featured as a Jr. Correspondent.

Brownstone 2.0: Check out the Tech Corner

If you're a girl who loves learning about the latest gadgets or anything related to tech for that matter...and even for you're an undercover geek who is ashamed to reveal her techy side ;) - then you'll love our new section called the Tech Corner. Each month, we'll talk about some of the newest products and trends coming out in technology. Check out this month's post:

Can You Hear Me Now?

What would you do if your mom could listen in on your calls?...and she found out that you were skipping P.E. to hang out with your friends. Or what would you do if your dad could check your text messages?...and saw that you called him a fat loser when he wouldn't let you go to your crush's party last week. Well beware this may be an available feature on cell phones very soon!

Last week, the Taser International (the company that makes Taser guns to help law enforcement subdue unruly suspects) announced the Protector Family Safety Program--a series of products designed to help parents monitor and control what their kids are doing with their phones. Scary huh?

Here are some of the Protector's key features:

• Provides a summary report of incoming and outgoing numbers of people you call or text
• Allows parents to listen to actual calls and read text messages
• Provides software that parents can use to route any inbound call, text, or e-mail, so that parents can allow it, block it, send it through, listen in, or record the conversation
• Set "favorites" list to let some calls and messages go through according to parent's approval
• Examine e-mail attachments

The purpose of the Protector is to monitor inappropriate behavior and of course for safety, but do you think it's a little too much? Do you think the Protector violates the trust between a parent and their child? How would you feel if your mom was using the Protector to monitor your calls? Has technology gone too far? Let us know your thoughts.

--Tymika Morrison

Brownstone Team

Learning Your Way Through Politics

Now, more than ever, it’s increasingly important to be aware of the political environment affecting our nation. And as a world leader, the United States has a dominant influence in global affairs. With the political atmosphere changing every day, from the health care debate to various topics in international affairs, it may seem overwhelming to keep up with it all. Fortunately, it’s easier than you think to increase your political aptitude. And remember that developing habits take time. It won’t be easy at first if you don’t already have a general interest in politics and global issues, but taking 5-10 minutes out of your day to make an effort will go a long way in the end.

The first step is to find a credible source of news information with a balanced perspective. Regardless of where you live, the Internet makes global news accessible 24/7. And even looking on the homepage and choosing a few top stories to keep up with will make an impact. Most newspapers have an online counterpart like NYTimes.com and LAtimes.com, but there are also purely online venues that are dedicated to news.

• Huffington Post


• Politico


• NPR

Especially with the print industry of news declining and the increasing preference toward online versions, it’s even easier to follow the news. One way that I keep up with what’s going on in the world is to follow news organizations on Twitter. Various news organizations use Twitter to post a short blurb on breaking stories as they’re happening. They all have Facebook pages as well. Through Facebook, it’s easy to stay updated because news is integrated into your Live Feed. Some of the organizations that I personally follow are:

• Huffington Post – @huffingtonpos


• ABC News – @ABC


• New York Times – @nytimes


• Good Morning America – @GMA


• CBS News – @CBSNews


• CNN (Breaking News) – @cnnbrk


• Christian Amanpour (CNN Correspondent) – @AmanpourCNN

If you’re already on Twitter as much as I am (Follow me: @blessed_ballen), then following these groups is the easiest way to get a comprehensive picture of what’s going on in the world. It’s effortless because they tell you what’s going on without you having to seek it out yourself. And they always post a link to their main websites and the story they’re reporting on, so you can get the full story if you want to know more.

Again, don’t worry if it seems like a lot to handle – you’ll never be able to know everything and no one expects to you. As you get older however, it will become more important for you to have a general understanding of global affairs. Don’t be afraid to talk to your parents too; chances are they read the paper and probably would enjoy talking to you about what’s going on. All in all, take it slow and remember: a little bit of effort is better than none.

--Brittany Allen
Brownstone Intern

To Ditch Or Not To Ditch

The holiday break is over and now it’s back to the grind of school, homework and extra curriculars. After being off for a few weeks, it’s easy to get used to the lifestyle of waking up late and hanging out with friends. Everyone would love to be on permanent vacation, but in the real world it’s just not possible. Because of the recent break, you may be tempted to create your own break from responsibilities and ditch school. But is ditching right for you? Let’s explore…

Pros

• Missing School – It may be good just to get out of that boring Algebra class or avoid a Spanish test, but I’m 99% sure you will have to make it up later.

• Movies, Mall & More – there is so much to do on your self proclaimed free day, but have you thought about your finances? Will your parents be curious about why you’re asking for more lunch money than normal this week? I know mine would!

• Veg Out – So maybe you thought about just sitting at home, watching TV and being a couch potato all day. Sounds like fun, but can’t you do that on the weekends?



Cons

• Getting caught – trust me, your parents’ eyes and ears are everywhere. A neighbor or friend of the family could spot you and let your mom know what’s up. You’re bound to get caught, so this might not be a good idea!

• Playing Catch Up – Is a day off really worth having to make up an entire day of school work, tests and activities? If you are trying to ditch to get out of academic obligations, talk to your teacher. They may be able to offer you an extension or provide extra help to simplify the subject matter. No how many days you ditch, that Spanish test will definitely be waiting for you when you return.

By no means am I promoting ditching. It’s important as you become a young woman to develop responsibility and accountability for your actions. Once you’re in college or start working a full time job, there are no teachers taking attendance or parents keeping track of your schedules. You are solely responsible for getting to class or work, and if you don’t make this a priority, there will be consequences. Don’t start a bad habit and jeopardize your future success. I know it’s tempting, but go to school every day!



-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team

Brown SkinCARE

I think India Arie described it best. Brown skin is beautiful, symbolic, intriguing….and list could go on forever. I think we have every right to outwardly love our skin by voicing the beauty and legacy it holds. Afterall, it is truly something to celebrate. But being that our skin holds so much history and preceeds us everywhere we go, it’s important to take care of it and treat it with lots of love. That means having a skin care regimine that fits your daily life and has you looking and feeling FLY. Right ladies?

Here are some helpful tips to keep our skin looking and feeling healthy...

Healthy living

Healthy skin starts with maintaining a healthy diet. That's right! We actually have control over the appearance of our skin just by eating right. It’s important to realize that our skin can reflect what we eat, just like any other part of our body. This doesn't mean our skin will break out instantly if we have an occasional chocolate bar or can of Coke. But it does emphasize great skin as an added benefit of maintaining balance with our food. For example, drinking lots of water will help flush out impurities that can often cause breakouts. Exercising is important too! Just remember not to wait to long after you exercise before you wash your face. The sweat/dirt combination can be lethal for those pores.

Products

How do you know what products are right for you? It helps to start off by determining your own skin type. For example, if your skin is super dry like mine, it’s best to use skin care and cosmetic products that also function as moisturizers. Look for a face wash (to cleanse), toner (to even skin tone) and a moisturizer (to keep your skin lubricated.) It’s good to use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen to help protect your skin agains the sun and harsh weather. I would also recommend testing the products on your hand to make sure they aren't too greasy. Too much oil in your products can also lead to clogged pores. Don’t feel pressured to spend a lot of money on your skin. If you can afford it, go ahead and splurge on your favorite spa cleanser or eyecream. But there is nothing wrong with cheaper products for everyday use.

Some of my favorite skincare products/brands include:

-ProActiv 3-Step System (for when my skin decides to have a mind of its own and break out everywhere)

-Abmi (great for softening the appearance of blemishes and evening out my skin tone)

-Cetaphil (mild, gentle and nourishing—perfect for everyday)

-Carol's Daughter (their "Bringing in the Moisture" is great too!)

What to do

Many say: wash, tone and moisturize your face a least twice a day, once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Just make sure you don’t wash your face too often. This could make your face noticably dry, tight and unhealthy looking. Keep it simple, but treat your skin too. Exfolients, facials and peels will leave your skin feeling great!

Try in home masks

One of my favorite in home masks is the Egg Whites and Yogurt Mask. It’s gentle, easy to make. All it takes is 2 egg whites (separated from the yolk) and 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Mix them together and you’ve got a great mask. Apply all over your face and let it sit for 5-7 minutes and rinse with warm water.

This works great for me, but there are plenty in-home face masks to choose from! The key is to pay attention to your skin and its needs. Feel free to share your skin care tips with all of us!


--Kyle Holland
Brownstone Team

Fatal Obsession

Facebook seems to be the grand daddy of all the social networking sites out there these days. It seems like everyone and their mama (even my mom tried to join) has a page. Last year, FB had approximately 350 million members. That's crazy right ?!? What's even crazier is that as a collective, these 350 million members spend 10 billion minutes of their day checking into the site. Now that's A LOT of time!

So, how much time do you spend on Facebook? Are you one of the 350 members that spend countless hours checking in and updating your friends on what's going on in your life? Here are some signs that you may be spending a little too much time on FB :/

1. You login into FB every morning before going to school.

2. You check FB all day, everyday (in the computer lab or on your phone it doesn't matter).

3. You update your status frequently. (I'm pretty sure your friends don't need to know what you ate for breakfast or that you're bored at home watching tv on a Saturday night.)

4. Hours pass before you realize you’ve done nothing but surf Facebook.

5. You pride yourself on having over 200 friends on FB. (Come on now, we all know that you don't know that many people in real life.)

6. You know people by their FB profile.

7. You'd rather send someone a message on FB than call them.

8. You have almost every application on the site. (You're the queen of quizzes and sending gifts)

9. You have have the FB app on your phone, so that you can get instant updates.

10. You spend more time looking through your friend's photo albums than talking on the phone.

Sound a little like you? Do you have a slight obsession with FB? Then you might be a FB addict. It's okay! You're not alone. We understand! It's easy to get caught up, especially when people are making their lives soooooo public these days. But at the same time, FB shouldn't take away from the time you spend on important activities like doing your homework or working on or college apps. You have to find a balance!

Treatment
Now every addiction requires some sort of treatment. Check out the Brownstone FB Recovery Program to help cure your obsession. Some of you may need to enroll today ;)

1. The first step is to admit that you have a problem. Say it with me, "I am a FB addict."

2. Write down exactly how much time you spend on each site.

3. Define your goals on FB. Make a list of what you really want from it. Why did you originally sign up? Find and keep old friends? Meet people with similar interests? Whatever your goals may be on FB, you need to make sure that you devote your time there to accomplishing those goals, instead of going off track with activities that get you nowhere or looking like a stalker.

4. Minimize the time you spend on FB. Give yourself a set time of the day to visit.

5. Stop using FB mobile to update your status etc. Uninstall it from your phone if you have a downloaded version (ie. iPhone, Palm etc.)

6. Turn off email notifications.

7. Think of other things you could be doing with your time spent on FB. When you get the urge to go on FB, call your bff, listen to your iPod (make a FB recovery playlist..lol) or read the Brownstone Blog ;)

8. Start a FB obsessed support group with your friends. You don't have to do the program alone. Ask your friends to help hold you accountable.

9. If steps 1 - 8 don't work, you may need to go cold turkey and leave FB for a while. Read this article to see how some teens defriended FB.

Yes, the road to recovery will be long and hard for many. You may even experience extreme anxiety or withdrawl, but we believe that you can do it! Stay strong and find your inner will power to guide you. Besides there was a life before FB, it was this thing called face to face communication ;) Let's bring it back in 2010!

**Was FB a distraction for you? Did you end up giving it up or minimizing your time on the site? Share how you did it with our readers.

--Tymika Morrison

Brownstone Team

Happy New Year

Happy 2010! Cheers to the beginning of a brand new year :) With every new year comes resolutions of how you plan to make this year better than the previous. You may be thinking "What's the point of making resolutions if I neverkeep them?" Well it's about being real with yourself and setting goals that you know are attainable. Start small and dedicate yourself to a couple of goals. Check out how the Brownstone Team plans to make 2010 a productive and prosperous year!

Tymika Morrison, Founder/Editor-in-Chief

I really hope that I'll start taking care of my body more, which means stop snacking and start eating more balanced meals. Hopefully this will bring out my domestic side and force me to start cooking. Also learn to live in the moment and stop worrying about the future. Challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and take risks. Fear is not an option in 2010!

Kyle Holland, Managing Editor

Hey everybody! My New Year's resolution is to stay happy, healthy and employed! I have so much to look forward to this year and I am so excited to share my journey through 2010. I wish you all peace and happiness.

Martine Rouzan, Marketing & Events

My New Years Resolution is to live healthier in 2010. Everyone always focuses on losing weight (which I want to do also!) but more importantly I want to live a better lifestyle. More physical activity, eating healthier and scheduling time for personal days in my busy schedule. A healthy mind, body and spirit in 2010!

Brittany Allen, Writing Intern

1. Maintain and improve mental and spiritual health.
2. Maintain close relationships with a small network of trusted individuals -- less drama and more meaningful friendships.

3. Do something just for me for an hour everyday. Aka have some me time.

4. Use responsible fiscal judgement. Save for later instead of buying everything at the mall like it won't be there later.


Rebecca Matey, Writing/Marketing Intern

There are a few New Years Resolutions I HOPE I can keep! First and foremost, get fit again in attempt to lose this freshman 15 I managed to gain last year! But most importantly, I just want to be IN SHAPE! Secondly, get over public transportation and explore LA more! I need to stop complaining about this city, and get up off my hiney and see the beautiful culture of Los Angeles.

As a team we hope to continue to bring you fun yet engaging content tailored to reflect your interests and experiences. We have a lot of exciting projects coming up and we look forward to launching the magazine version of Brownstone later this year. Thank you for your continued support and please continue to spread the word about Brownstone. HaPPy NeW yEaR!

--Brownstone Team